Rivian to launch hands-free driving in weeks, CEO says

Rivian is preparing to introduce a hands-free driver-assistance system to its vehicles in the coming weeks, according to CEO R.J. Scaringe. Speaking during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call, Scaringe confirmed that the system will debut on the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, marking a significant step forward for the EV startup’s autonomy ambitions.

“We have a hands-off highway feature that we’re going to be launching here very soon, within the next several weeks,” Scaringe said.

The move will put Rivian in direct competition with Ford’s BlueCruise and General Motors’s Super Cruise, both of which allow hands-free driving under specific conditions on pre-mapped highways.

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Eyes-off driving by 2026

Beyond the upcoming hands-free system, Rivian is working on an even more advanced driver assistance feature that will allow for eyes-off driving on highways by 2026. Scaringe explained that this next evolution will be built upon the new Rivian Autonomy Platform currently found in second-generation R1T and R1S models, which features upgraded computing power and an improved sensor array.

“We have an eyes-off feature that we’re going to be launching for highway functionality in 2026,” Scaringe said, noting that Rivian intends to expand the system’s capabilities beyond highways over time.

Currently, Rivian vehicles come equipped with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, which assist with steering, acceleration, and braking but still require driver supervision. The upcoming hands-free and future eyes-off systems will further automate the driving experience while maintaining necessary safety precautions.

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Competing with industry leaders

Rivian’s upcoming hands-free driving technology places it among the leading automakers in the advanced driver assistance space. Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise already provide similar hands-free highway driving capabilities, while Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) remains one of the leaders in autonomous driving technology.

However, true eyes-off driving — classified as Level 3 automation — is far less common. Currently, Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot is the only such system approved for use in the U.S., and it is limited to low-speed highway driving in select locations.

A bright spot amid market challenges

The announcement of Rivian’s hands-free system comes at a crucial time for the company. Despite posting its first-ever gross profit in Q4 2024, Rivian’s stock has struggled due to mixed analyst opinions and concerns over shifting government policies.

A recent downgrade from Bank of America, coupled with fears over potential changes to federal EV funding under the Trump administration, has weighed on investor confidence. The company’s stock has dropped roughly 12% since its earnings report on Feb. 20.

Nevertheless, Rivian remains a key player in the EV market, with plans to introduce its more affordable R2 SUV in 2026. As it navigates economic and regulatory challenges, the company’s continued investment in autonomy could provide a competitive edge.

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Final thoughts

Rivian’s push into hands-free and eventually eyes-off driving marks a major milestone for the EV startup. By bringing its driver-assistance technology closer to industry leaders like Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz, the company is signaling its long-term commitment to innovation. However, the road ahead remains uncertain.

While advancements in autonomy could enhance Rivian’s appeal, external pressures — ranging from shifting government policies to market competition — may pose challenges. Ultimately, the success of these new features will depend not just on their capabilities but also on how well Rivian can navigate the broader EV landscape.

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